Yes, dogs can feel the blues too, especially on Mondays. That’s the day many are left home alone, softly whining or crying as their humans head off to work.

Separation anxiety is more common than you might think. Some dogs panic at the fear of being abandoned, others struggle with containment, and highly energetic breeds may simply grow restless with boredom. Left unaddressed, this anxiety can develop into serious stress or even depression.

If you’re someone with a demanding career, whether on Wall Street, in the OR, or anywhere that leaves little downtime, bringing home a puppy might have seemed like the perfect remedy for loneliness or stress. But when that same pup cries the moment you walk out the door, you’re far from alone.

Dogs are deeply social, pack-oriented animals who depend on us for both physical and emotional needs. They thrive on interaction, stimulation, and a sense of connection. As their caretakers, it’s our responsibility to ease their stress, reduce their boredom, and provide comfort, even when we can’t be home.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the breeds most prone to crying softly when their owners head to work.

Dog Breeds That Cry Softly When Owners Go to Work

1. Labrador Retriever

Yes, this most popular furry American sweetheart is prone to separation anxiety and can think of you as his mother because just as we see these pooches as our sole companions and assistants, they also see us as their sole providers and protectors.

The Labs are known to develop a strong emotional bond that would remind you of your biological newborns, sweet, adorable, yet majorly clingy to the point you cannot leave them for a mere second on their own, let alone for a whole day.

These puppies learn quickly, hunt flawlessly, and retrieve with flair, yet these social butterflies need a lot of human interaction along with enough exercise and training before you leave them home alone, or you’ll come back to your pillow, soaked with the tears of your Lab and a distressed puppy in sight.

The maximum time for which you can leave these puppies alone at home is 3-4 hours; any longer than that will be mentally and physically detrimental for your puppies. These dogs need more attention and care than you can think of, and are highly food motivated.

Hence make sure that you leave them water, food, doggie treats a bucket load of interactive games and dog toys to keep them engaged and entertained. Moreover, it is also better if you leave when they are sleeping and not aware of you going away from them.

2. German Shepherd

Who would’ve thought that the hero of a strong heart and an active on-duty police and military pup who is strong, agile, powerful, and brave can be prone to separation anxiety? But it is true in the case of this German shepherd who gets really fussy and destructive due to his high energy drive if left alone in an enclosed space.

These black and tan pups are renowned for their sense of sight and smell, which are incredible at tracking. But these German shepherds are all soft hearted and genteel on the inside.

You’ll see them wait enthusiastically for you at home, but if you exceed the 4-hour limit, you’ll find a destructive force of energy with a disturbed and restless behavior to cope with and handle.

Hence either leave these puppies at a puppy day care or employ a dog walker who can take them out for their usual exercise routine in nature where your pup doesn’t feel suffocated or anxious.

3. Poodle

Where different dogs need different sorts of handling and care, these salutatorians of the dog kingdom are known for their higher intellect and understanding skills. But you’ll find them panting, pacing, or shaking if left alone without any proper separation anxiety combating techniques.

These dogs have high IQs and can get destructive or highly stressed if not provided with enough devices to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged. Paying attention to the dog’s behavior is crucial when he or she is displaying other signs of separation anxiety, like eating less and lazing around.

Crate training these dogs is essential to keep their whining and crying to a minimum. Make sure you’re acclimating these social water dogs in short intervals and then rewarding them with treats once they learn to relax in this secure space.

Moreover, you can also hire a trusted dog walker to take your agile Poodles to the dog park, where they can socialize, network, and play with other pooches and get their fill of physical stimulation for the day, which is also extremely helpful in keeping these pets quiet, calm, and happy.

P.S if you need to know what size is ideal for your graceful poodles then check out our Dog Crate Size Calculator right now.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If your puppies are pacing, whining, panting, or drooling, then these behaviors are physiological signs of stress or separation anxiety.

And when it comes to these quintessential royal lap dogs, they relish attention and snuggles. But you'll see these bubbly, sporty dogs whining and crying softly when they're alone.

Cavaliers are extremely sensitive; they might enjoy a romp outdoors, but their favorite hobby is following their beloved humans around. These puppy-eyed mood boosters need constant care and attention from their person.

These charming floppy-eared, swishy-tailed besties don't like feeling left out of your important milestones and life events. Hence, you'll have to be considerate and attentive towards these calm yet excited puppies.

5. Havanese

These delightful bite-sized furry kids are a great fit for almost any home, but they have one main condition: their family members should be as lively and social as they are. These small dogs aren't like many dogs out there and steal hearts in minuscule moment just with their mere presence.

They respond with a playful yet kind enthusiasm as long as they are also on the receiving end of round-the-clock attention, care, and displays of affection.

These dogs love their family, hence if you are seeing them barking compulsively (a lot more than usual) or see changes in their vocalizations at night. Then it is a red flag and a warning sign for which you'd better consult with a trusted vet.

Hence, whether their reason for lashing out and displaying several emotions is because they are bored or filled with high excitement, are in pain, or they seem like crying in disdain. Their anxiety is a complicated medical condition that cannot be seen as normal canine behavior.

6. Bichon Frise

Eyes as cute as dark round pebbles, drop ears, fur as soft as clouds, and a fluffy cotton candy-like exterior, honestly, what's not to love about these pups who act like the big dogs but are a mini petit four teddy bear version of their counterparts.

The Bichon is a Franco-Belgian hypoallergenic delicacy who is very likely to act and sound like your hyperactive yet clingy toddler who always wants you to see every bit of their existence at all times.

These fur babies are adorable; they know how to blend in a crowd and even gather some limelight with their unique antics.

But their history says these small black nosed toy dogs were developed to be sophisticated lap dogs and companions for royalty. Hence, they have a high Velcro tendency; they won't stay calm and quiet if left alone for a whole day or more precisely for more than 4 hours.

They are highly emotional and sensitive dogs with a natural warmth and affection in their personality. Hence, they cannot bear to stay away from you. These tiny nuggets are known for giving their owners little to no privacy and are your number 1 fans.

Bichons will lead your personal cheerleading squad and can be found hiding in your bed or resting sadly on your pillows if left alone for too long, because they carry your scent. These angelic dogs need crate training with rewards to reassure them, so they don't turn fussy.

7. French Bulldog

Why is the versatile Frenchie at the bottom of the list, and more importantly, why is it prone to separation anxiety? These purse accessories that once ruled the Parisian fashion world could still give the non-living Labubu dolls a run for their money.

Because these petite pups could be carried in handbags, and despite their small size, they were filled with spunk, sass, a boatload of zest, and spirit in personality.

Not to mention, the French bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in America and have been reigning as the Queen for the last three years. Many people adopt these pooches for their low-maintenance, highly trainable, yet small-sized qualities. But just like all dogs, the Frenchies also feel the blues when you leave them alone for a long time.

Sure, your career is important, but adopting a pet comes with responsibility, and even the most low-maintenance, low-shedding, and least clingy dogs need a bit of love and a little bit of care to remain in their quirky yet bubbly element.

Hence, if you find these dogs whine and cry for attention or behaving and sounding different. Make sure to take your dogs to a trusted veterinarian the moment you start noticing the signs of anxiety and provide them with a quiet, relaxing and loving environment where they can sit quietly in peace and get inclined towards good things.  

Conclusion

Nowadays, humans have become extremely superficial and don't delve into the depths of details. People choose less clingy demanding folks when they are finding a partner and even have these similar requirements when finding a fur baby or companion.

You must have figured out by now that these companionship-seeking dogs that howl, bark, and make these soft, forlorn sounds are feeling upset and worried when you are handling business elsewhere.

Hence, it is to be carefully considered that if a dog's behavior and dog confidence are showing a steep decline, then there is something crucial that needs to be done and rightfully on time. Because a dog's anxiety and stress levels need to be under control to avoid any destructive behavior and detrimental attacks, which mostly happen due to fear and protectiveness.

If you are getting a pup, then you should know that mental stimulation and adequate exercise should be your two priorities for keeping your dog happy. Moreover, spending one-on-one time and bonding with your furry friends is also a highly important aspect that needs to be taken care of.